Slime remover and slime preventing/removing agent

ABSTRACT

A drainage slime remover capable of spreading a solution of a solid over slime generated wall surface portions, comprising a solid containing a microorganism growth retarding substance and a container which has a shape for permitting the installation thereof at the inlet or upper portion of a drain outlet and stores the solid, characterized in that the container has drain flow-in holes having an opening capable of controlling a drain flow-in amount and provided in the upper surface or the upper side portion of the container and solution flow-out holes having an opening capable of controlling a flow-out amount if a solid solution and provided in the bottom or the lower side portion of the container or additionally in the side surface thereof; and a slime preventing/removing agent which can remove slime from portions such as kitchen sinks and bathroom drain outlets where slime is grown by metabolites such as miscellaneous germs and mildews and which can prevent the occurrence of slime safely and for an extended period of time.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a slime preventing/removingagent which is installed in a place where metabolites of miscellaneousgerms, mildews and the like cause slime and bad smells, such as drainoutlets of kitchen sinks, bathrooms and toilet floors, and is useful toremove slime, to prevent the occurrence of slime or to control slime.The present invention also relates to a slime remover and container forit, and a method of removing slime with them. The invention particularlyrelates to a slime remover for a garbage basket in a kitchen sink, of atype that the drain outlet of a household kitchen sink is made widerthan the main drainpipe, a garbage basket is installed which collectsgarbage coming out together with drainage, such as cooking materialwastes, and the remover is discarded when a certain amount of garbage isaccumulated.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] It is known that the main ingredient of slime in the drainoutlets of kitchen sinks and bathrooms is polysaccharides secreted bybacteria, when they use food materials, surface active agents, soaps,human dirt and others as nutrient sources.

[0003] It is so far well-known, as slime preventing chemicals forgarbage baskets installed in the drain outlets of household kitchensinks, that tablets, of which a chlorine-type oxidizing agent, such astrichloroisocyanuric acid, dichloroisocyanuric acid orbromochlorodimethylhydantoin, alone or its mixture with otheringredients is pressure molded, are stored in plastic nets orbasket-shaped containers, and hung by strings or the like in garbagebaskets for preventing the occurrence of slime in the baskets (JapanesePatent Laid-open No. Hei 8-128090). These chemicals have been marketedby trade names, such as “Slime Removing Agents”, for practical use forthe last few years.

[0004] Among the chemicals mentioned above, slime removing agents ofbleaching powder type exhibit effects on the prevention of slime and badsmells of garbage baskets, thanks to the powerful sterilizing power ofthe active ingredient of a hypochlorite oxidizing agent, and aretherefore used widely. Because of their powerful oxidizing power,garbage baskets and drainpipe materials around them become deterioratedor corroded, and poisonous chlorine gas is also generated. An amount ofchlorine gas generated increases particularly when the agent reacts withan acidic substance, such as vinegar, causing a dangerous situation.Isocyanuric acid-type chemcials containing trichloroisocyanuric acid orthe like as the active ingredient have safety problems such that theircontact with alkaline or sodium-hypochlorite detergents generates gaswith irritating smells, such as explosive nitrogen trichloride.

[0005] To solve the above problems, there have been proposed a varietyof “slime removing agents” using germicides other than chlorine-typeoxidizing agents. For example, those known are peroxides such as sodiumpercarbonates, potassium persulfate and sodium perborate (JapanesePatents Laid-open Nos. Hei 8-268818 and 9-31495), iodine-type germicidessuch as povidone iodine (Japanese Patents Laid-open Nos. Hei 9-124423and 9-227317), chemicals composing sulfur compounds, such as sulfite,and chemicals for pasteurization (Japanese Patent Laid-open No. Hei9-124422), volatile pasteurizing agents such as ortho-phenylphenol,diphenyl, 2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol and hinokitiol (Japanese PatentLaid-open No. Hei 9-206040), inorganic germicides of which silver ions,copper ions or the like are supported by inorganic compounds such aszeolite or silica gel (Japanese Patents Laid-open Nos. Hei 8-157305,9-30915 and 9-194313), and tablets of which industrial germicides or thelike, such as para-chloromethaxylenol, alone or with appropriatedissolution regulators added are pressure molded.

[0006] These “slime removing agents” using germicides other thanchlorine-type oxidizing agents are stored in plastic nets orbasket-shaped containers and hung by strings or other means in thegarbage baskets, similar to the “slime removing agents” composingchlorine-type oxidizing agents. Some of the above agents are marketed as“slime removing agents” using no oxidizing agents of chlorine type. Theyhave weaker sterilizing power than known “slime removing agents”containing chlorine-type oxidizing agents as the active ingredients doand insufficient preventive effects on slime and bad smells so as not tohave become popular yet.

[0007] Japanese Patent Laid-open No. Hei 7-184823 has disclosed “slimeremoving agents” that an antimicrobial agent, such as a mixture of5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, is supported by porous fine inorganicparticles, such as hollow porous silica, and stored in a water-permeablebag, for example, made of nonwoven fabric, or supported by awater-soluble substance, such as protein or polysaccharide, and madefilm. 5-Chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one has strong antimicrobialpower and does not corrode materials or generates gas. However, it iseasily soluble in water, so it has the disadvantage of a shorter shelflife than that of known chemicals. Besides, there is a safety issue whenit is used in households due to severe skin irritation.

[0008] In addition to those mentioned above, known are devices havingfixing sections to fix containers storing slime removing agents togarbage basket handles through the joints (Japanese Patent Laid-open No.Hei 9-292), types using garbage netting baskets coated with fluororesin(Japanese Patent Laid-open No. Hei 8-158441), devices jettingelectrolytic, acidic, ionic water from circular pipes fixed aroundnetting baskets (Japanese Publication No. of Utility Model RegistrationHei 6-46069), and germ and mildew preventive devices supplying solutionshaving an action of preventing germs and mildews into the upper parts ofinlet pipes (Japanese Patent Laid-open No. Hei 9-154923).

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a drain slimeremover that can be easily installed in the upper part of an inlet pipe,is excellent in safety and handling, and can spread the agent-dissolvedsolution from a container storing a slime preventing/removing agent withappropriate solubility over the wall surface of the drainpipe. It wasfound that a pressure molded product of an antimicrobial agent,particularly a clathrate compound of an antimicrobial agent and amulti-molecular host compound, with a specific base material is notdangerous, is excellent in safety and handling, retains appropriatesolubility and has a slime preventing/removing effect. Thus the presentinvention has been completed.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The inventors of the present invention have proposed slimepreventing/removing agents of non-bleaching powder type that a clathratecompound consisting of 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and amulti-molecular host compound is pressure molded (Japanese PatentApplication No. Hei 9-50384). The agents have reduced skin irritationand lowered water solubility, thanks to multi-molecular clathratecompounds of 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one with host compounds,and are thus excellent slime preventing/removing agents. The inventorsof the present invention have also proposed slime preventing/removingagents prepared by the pressure molding of an organic iodineantimicrobial agent and a solid acid (Japanese Patent Application No.Hei 9-50385). These slime preventing/removing agents have also beenconfirmed to have excellent slime preventing/removing effects.

[0011] A chemical containing a chlorine-type oxidizing agent as anactive ingredient sterilizes portions including where the chemicalsolution does not touch, by chlorine gas generated from the agent, evenif it is installed in the bottom of a garbage basket. Therefore it ispossible to prevent slime growth all over the inside of the basket.Contrary to it, a formulation containing an oxidizing agent ofnon-chlorine type as an active ingredient, particularly theaforementioned slime preventing/removing agent of the multi-molecularclathrate compound composing 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one witha host compound or a pressure-molded organic iodine antimicrobial agent,has a limitation of the excellent slime preventing/removing effects onlyon the surrounding of the formulation installed. Their effects areparticularly weak on the upper part above the chemical installationsite. With the above findings, various drain slime removers, with whichthese slime preventing/removing agents could be installed at the tops orupper parts of drainpipes and solutions of the said agents spread overthe wall surface of the pipes and the like, were made on trial, andslime preventing/removing effects were studied. The effects of slimeprevention and removal were confirmed to complete the present invention.

[0012] The present invention is directed to the following:

[0013] (1) A drain slime remover capable of spreading a solid-dissolvedsolution over slime contaminated wall surfaces, characterized in that itcomprises a solid containing a microorganism growth retarding substanceand a container which has a shape for permitting its installation at thetop or upper part of an inlet pipe and stores the solid, and that thesaid container has drainage flow-in holes having an opening degreecapable of controlling the drainage flow-in amount and provided in theupper surface or the upper side of the container and solution flow-outholes having an opening degree capable of controlling the flow-outamount of a solid-dissolved solution and provided in the bottom or thelower side, or additionally in the side, of the container.

[0014] (2) A drain slime remover according to (1), in which thecontainer has a shape of a filter or integrated with a filter that isinstalled at the inlet pipe.

[0015] (3) A drain slime remover according to (1) or (2), in which thesolution flow-out holes are provided in the bottom of the container, andin the sides at the peripheral and central sides of the inlet pipe.

[0016] (4) A drain slime remover according to (1) to (3), in which thesolution flow-out holes have an opening degree capable of controllingthe maximum amount of water held in the container to flow out at 0.5 to500 seconds.

[0017] (5) A drain slime remover according to (1) to (4), in which thetotal opening area of the solution flow-out holes is 0.98 to 0.01 ofthat of the drainage flow-in holes.

[0018] (6) A drain slime remover according to (1) to (5), in which thedrainage flow-in holes are made at least in the upper surface of thecontainer and provided with two or more drainage flow-in slits composingone or more slits along the direction towards the center of the inletpipe at appropriate intervals.

[0019] (7) A drain slime remover according to (6), in which the slits ofthe slit-shaped drainage flow-in holes are 0.5 to 4 mm wide.

[0020] (8) A drain slime remover according to (6) or (7), in which theslits are made in the upper surface of the container, reach the side endof the central part of the container towards the direction of the inletpipe center, and further continuously cut up to the upper part at thecenter side.

[0021] (9) A drain slime remover according to (1) to (3), in which thedrainage flow-in holes of the container are composed of hydrophilicnonwoven fabric.

[0022] (10) A drain slime remover according to (1) to (3), in which thedrainage flow-in holes of the container have a netting structure.

[0023] (11) A drain slime remover according to (1) to (10), in which achemical of non-bleaching powder type is used as the microorganismgrowth retarding substance.

[0024] (12) A drain slime remover according to (11), in which aclathrate compound composing 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one anda multi-molecular host compound is used as the chemical of non-bleachingpowder type.

[0025] (13) A drain slime remover according to (11), in which an organiciodine antimicrobial agent is used as the chemical of non-bleachingpowder type.

[0026] (14) A drain slime remover according to (1) to (13), in which twoor more, same or different, solids of small granules less than 30 mm inthe maximum length are used as the solid.

[0027] (15) A method of removing slime in a way that a container, inwhich solids containing a microorganism growth retarding substance arestored, is installed in the upper part of the slime contaminated wallsurface, the solids are dissolved by drainage flowing in from drainageflow-in holes provided in the upper surface or upper side of thecontainer, and the solid-dissolved solution flows out from solutionflow-out holes provided in the bottom or the lower side, or additionallyin the side, of the container in order to spread the solution over theslime contaminated wall surfaces.

[0028] (16) A container for removing slime, capable of spreading asolid-dissolved solution over slime contaminated wall surfaces,characterized in that the container has a shape for permitting itsinstallation at the top or upper part of an inlet pipe, can store solidscontaining a microorganism growth retarding substance in the inside, andhas flow-out holes for a solid-dissolved solution in the bottom or thelower side, or additionally in the side, and drainage flow-in holes inthe upper surface or the upper side, and the total opening area of thesolution flow-out holes is 0.98 to 0.01 of that of the drainage flow-inholes.

[0029] (17) A container for removing slime, capable of spreading asolid-dissolved solution over slime contaminated wall surfaces,characterized in that the container has a shape for permitting itsinstallation at the top or upper part of an inlet pipe, can store solidscontaining a microorganism growth retarding substance in the inside, andhas flow-out holes for a solid-dissolved solution in the bottom or thelower side, or additionally in the side, and drainage flow-in holes ofslit type in the upper surface or the upper side with slits being 0.5 to4 mm wide.

[0030] (18) A slime preventing/removing agent characterized in that anantimicrobial agent of non-bleaching powder type is pressure moldedtogether with one or more base materials selected from calcium hydrogenphosphate dihydrate, tricalcium phosphate anhydride, magnesium hydrogenphosphate tri-hydrate, magnesium hydrogen phosphate octa-hydrate,lactose, vanillin, calcium citrate tetra-hydrate, calcium sulfatedihydrate, calcium sulfate hemi-hydrate, acetoacetate anilide,acetoacetate-o-toluidide, acetoacetate-p-toluidide,acetoacetate-o-anicidide, sorbitol, glycerin monofatty acid esters,alkylsorbitan esters (HLB: 14 or less) and sucrose fatty acid esters(HLB: 14 or less).

[0031] (19) A slime preventing/removing agent according to (18), inwhich the antimicrobial agent of non-bleaching powder type is aclathrate compound composing an antimicrobial agent and amulti-molecular host compound.

[0032] (20) A slime preventing/removing agent according to (19), inwhich the multi-molecular host compound is one or more compoundsselected from the group consisting of the following compounds:

[0033] tetrakisphenols

[0034] 1,1,6,6-tetraphenyl-2,4-hexadiyn-1,6-diol,

[0035] 1,6-bis(2-chlorophenyl)1,6-diphenylhexan-2,4-diyn-1,6-diol,

[0036] 1,1,4,4-tetraphenyl-2-butyn-1,4-diol,

[0037] 2,5-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)hydroquinone,

[0038] 1,1-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-2-propyn-1-ol,

[0039] 1,1,2,2-tetraphenylethan-1,2-diol,

[0040] 1,1-bi-2-naphthol,

[0041] 9,10-diphenyl-9,10-dihydroxyanthracene,

[0042] 1,1,6,6-tetra(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-2,4-hexadiyn-1,6-diol,

[0043] 9,10-bis(4-methylphenyl)-9,10-dihydroxyanthracene,

[0044] 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexane,

[0045]N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(cyclohexyl)-(1,1′-biphenyl)-2,2′-dicarboxyamide,

[0046] 4,4′-sulfonylbisphenol,

[0047] 4,4′-butylidenebis(3-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol),

[0048] 2,2′-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol),

[0049] 4,4′-thiobis(4-chlorophenol),

[0050] 2,2′-methylenebis(4-chlorophenol),

[0051] deoxycholic acid,

[0052] cholic acid,

[0053] α, α, α′, α′-tetraphenyl-1,1′-biphenyl-2,2′-dimethanol,

[0054] t-butylhydroquinone,

[0055] 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone,

[0056] granular corn starch,

[0057] 1,4-diazabicyclo-(2,2,2)-octane,

[0058] (21) A slime preventing/removing agent according to (19) or (20),in which the antimicrobial agent of non-bleaching powder type is5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one.

[0059] (22) A slime preventing/removing agent according to (18), inwhich the antimicrobial agent of non-bleaching powder type is an organiciodine antimicrobial agent.

[0060] (23) A slime preventing/removing agent according to one of (18)to (22), in which calcium sulfate hemi-hydrate is β-type calcium sulfatehemi-hydrate.

[0061] (24) A slime preventing/removing agent according to one of (18)to (23), in which the slime preventing/removing agent contains a C₁₄ toC₂₄ saturated fatty acid as a dissolution regulator.

[0062] (25) A slime preventing/removing agent according to (24), inwhich the C₁₄ to C₂₄ saturated fatty acid is stearic acid or lauricacid.

[0063] (26) A small slime preventing/removing agent according to (18) to(25), in which the molded product is a tablet and the maximum length ofthe tablet is 15 mm or shorter.

[0064] (27) A slime removing method characterized in that a nonwovenfabric bag or a holed plastic film bag, that contains the small slimepreventing/removing agent according to (26), or a flexible tape-shapedmaterial carrying the small preventing/removing agents, is fixed on thesurface or upper surface of slime contaminated wall, and the solution ofthe slime preventing/removing agent spreads over the wall.

[0065] As for substances to retard the growth of microorganisms, variousknown germicides and antimicrobial agents can be used in the presentinvention. All the common compounds known as mildew proofing agents orantibacterial agents, natural essential oils having antimicrobialactivities and the like can be employed. However, those having wideantimicrobial spectra are preferred. Examples of chlorine chemicalsinclude dichlorodimethylhydantoin, bromochlorodimethylhydantoin, sodiumdichloroisocyanurate, potassium dichloroisocyanurate, hydrates (e.g.,dihydrate) of sodium dichloroisocyanurate, hydrates of potassiumdichloroisocyanurate, trichloroisocyanuric acid and sodium hypochlorite.Examples of non-chlorine chemicals include sodium percarbon, potassiumpersulfate, sodium perborate, ortho-phenylphenol, diphenyl,2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol, para-chloromethaxylenol, n-butylpara-hydroxybenzoate, ethyl para-hydroxybenzoate, methylpara-hydroxybenzoate, benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride,chlorohexidine hydrochloride, chlorohexidine gluconate,methylenebisthiocyanate, 2-pyridinethiol-1-oxide, zinc2-pyridinethiol-1-oxide, sodium 2-pyridinethiol-1-oxide, N,N′-hexamethylenebis(4-carbamoyl-1-decylpyridinium bromide),4,41-(tetramethylenediamino)bis(1-decylpyridinium bromide) and2-bromo-2-nitropropan-1,3-diol.

[0066] As for microorganism growth retarding substances of the presentinvention, clathrate compounds composing mildew proofing agents orantibacterial agents with multi-molecular host compounds can beadvantageously used. When the clathrate compounds are used, examples ofmildew proofing agents or antibacterial agents include5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one,4,5-dichloro-3-n-octyl-isothiazolin-3-one, 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one,2-methoxycarbonylbenzimidazole,2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-4-methanesulfonylpyridine,2-thiocyanomethybenzothiazole, 2,2-dithio-bis-(pyridin-1-oxide),3,3,4,4-tetrahydrothiophene-1,1-dioxide,4,5-dichloro-1,2-dithiolan-3-one, 5-chloro-4-phenyl-1,2-dithiolan-3-one,N-methylpyrolidone, phenyl-(2-cyano-2-chlorovinyl)sulfone,methylenebisthiocyanate, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol,2,2-dibromo-2-ethanol, 2-bromo-4′-hydroxyacetophenone, dibromonitrilepropionamide and 2-bromo-2-bromomethylglutarnitrile, and examples ofnatural essential oils include cineol, hinokitiol, menthol, terpineol,borneol, nopol, citral, citronellal, citronellol, geraniol, linalool,dimethyloctanol and thymol.

[0067] The multi-molecular host compound refers to a compound forming acrystalline complex (clathrate compound) in the form that two or morehost compounds surround one molecule of a guest antimicrobial agent.There are no particular restrictions if a compound has the aboveproperties. Examples include tetrakisphenols,1,1,6,6-tetraphenyl-2,4-hexadiyn-1,6-diol,1,6-bis(2-chlorophenyl)1,6-diphenylhexan-2,4-diyn-1,6-diol,1,1,4,4-tetraphenyl-2-butyn-1,4-diol,2,5-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)hydroquinone,1,1-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-2-propyn-1-ol,1,1,2,2-tetraphenylethan-1,2-diol, 1,1-bi-2-naphthol,9,10-diphenyl-9,10-dihydroxyanthracene,1,1,6,6-tetra(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-2,4-hexadiyn-1,6-diol,9,10-bis(4-methylphenyl)-9,10-dihydroxyanthracene,1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexane,N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(cyclohexyl)-(1,1′-biphenyl)-2,2′-dicarboxyamide,4,4′-sulfonylbisphenol, 4,4′-butylidenebis(3-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol),2,2′-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol),4,4′-thiobis(4-chlorophenol), 2,2′-methylenebis(4-chlorophenol),deoxycholic acid, cholic acid,α,α,α′,α′-tetraphenyl-1,1′-biphenyl-2,21-dimethanol,t-butylhydroquinone, 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone, granular corn starchand 1,4-diazabicyclo-(2,2,2)-octane.

[0068] Actual examples of the above tetrakisphenols includetetrakis(hydroxyphenyl) alkanes such as1,1,2,2-tetrakis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane,1,1,2,2-tetrakis(3-fluoro-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane,1,1,2,2-tetrakis(3-chloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane,1,1,2,2-tetrakis(3-methyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane,1,1,2,2-tetrakis(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane,1,1,2,2-tetrakis(3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane,1,1,3,3-tetrakis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,1,1,3,3-tetrakis(3-fluoro-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,1,1,3,3-tetrakis(3-chloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,1,1,3,3-tetrakis(3-methyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,1,1,3,3-tetrakis(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,1,1,3,3-tetrakis(3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,1,1,4,4-tetrakis(4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,1,1,4,4-tetrakis(3-fluoro-4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,1,1,4,4-tetrakis(3-chloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,1,1,4,4-tetrakis(3-methyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,1,1,4,4-tetrakis(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,1,1,4,4-tetrakis(3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)butane,1,1,5,5-tetrakis(4-hydroxyphenyl)pentane,1,1,5,5-tetrakis(3-fluoro-4-hydroxyphenyl)pentane,1,1,5,5-tetrakis(3-chloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)pentane,1,1,5,5-tetrakis(3-methyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)pentane,1,1,5,5-tetrakis(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)pentane and1,1,5,5-tetrakis(35-dimethyl-44 hydroxyphenyl)pentane.

[0069] Organic iodine antimicrobial agents having wider antimicrobialspectra than other antimicrobial agents and being safe on human bodiessuch as those used for commercially available gargles can beadvantageously used as microorganism growth retarding substances in thepresent invention. In this case, the organic iodine antimicrobial agentsare preferably solid, although there are no particular restrictions onthem. Their examples include 2,3,3-triiodoallyl alcohols,2,3,3-triiodoallyl ethers, 2,3,3-triiodoallylazoles,3-iodo-2-propagylbutylcarbamic acid,4-chlorophenyl(3-iodopropagyl)formal, iodopropagylazoles,diiodo-para-trisulfone, povidone iodine, benzyliodine acetate andpara-nitrobenzyliodine acetate. They are used alone or a mixture of twoor more.

[0070] When using the aforementioned various known germicides,antimicrobial agents, mildew proofing agents or the like asmicroorganism growth retarding substances, or known slimepreventing/removing agents containing them, or the said clathratecompounds or organic iodine antimicrobial agents, they may be mixed withappropriate blending substances and molded to proper sizes by knownmethods such as pressure molding, heat-melt mix molding orknead-extrusion molding in order to prevent active ingredients fromflowing out more than required on contacting drainage and to dissolvethe ingredients into the drainage at appropriate rates.

[0071] Examples of blending substances for pressure molding include avariety of known excipients, dissolution regulators, binders, glazingagents, surface active agents and corrosion inhibitors.

[0072] Examples of the excipients, binders and dissolution regulatorsinclude various organic acids such as fumaric acid, benzoic acid, adipicacid, succinic acid, sulfamic acid, boric acid, dl-malic acid, citricacid, ascorbic acid, malonic acid and glycolic acid; inorganic acids,lactic acid, glucose, various starches such as corn starch, crystallinecellulose, powder cellulose, sodium chloride, magnesium sulfate,potassium sulfate, calcium sulfate, calcium hydrogen phosphate,synthetic aluminum silicate, magnesium trisilicate, methyl cellulose,ethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulosesodium, carboxymethyl cellulose calcium, hydroxypropyl cellulose,polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrolidone, sodium alginate, gum arabic(powder), sucrose fatty acid esters and C₁₄ to C₂₄ saturated fattyacids. These excipients, binders and dissolution regulators may be addedat a ratio of 1 to 99% by weight to the total solid weight.

[0073] Examples of glazing agents include magnesium stearate, calciumstearate, sodium stearate, sodium benzoate, ortho-boric acid, silica,talc and waxes. These glazing agents may be used at a ratio of 0.01 to1% by weight to the total solid weight.

[0074] Examples of surface active agents include alkylalkanolamides,sodium dialkylsulfosuccinates and sodium lauryl sulfate. These surfaceactive agents may be used at a ratio of 0.5 to 10% by weight to thetotal solid weight.

[0075] Examples of corrosion inhibitors include alkylthiourea compoundsand triazole compounds. The use of these inhibitors can control thecorrosion of metal portions of pipes and others.

[0076] Blending substances for heat-melt mix molding or knead-extrusionmolding are preferably solids having melting points between 40 and 100°C. Their examples include various water-soluble polymers such aspolyoxyethylene and surface active agents such as block polymers ofpolyoxyethylene and polyoxypropylene, polyoxyethylene alkylphenylethers, polyehtylene glycol fatty acid esters, glycerin fatty acidesters and polyoxyethylene alkylethers.

[0077] Particularly preferred slime preventing/removing agents are thepressure molded products of antimicrobial agents of non-bleaching powdertype with specific base materials.

[0078] Any antimicrobial agent of non-bleaching powder type can be usedin the present invention, if it does not react with acidic substances orthe like to generate chlorine gas when used. Their examples includecommon compounds known as mildew proofing agents or antimicrobial agentsand natural essential oils known to have antimicrobial activities.

[0079] Actual examples of mildew proofing agents or antimicrobial agentsinclude 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one,2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one,4,5-dichloro-3-n-octyl-isothiazolin-3-one, 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one,2-methoxycarbonylbenzimidazole,2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-4-methanesulfonylpyridine,2-thiocyanomethybenzothiazole, 2,2-dithio-bis-(pyridin-1-oxide),3,3,4,4-tetrahydrothiophene-1,1-dioxide,4,5-dichloro-1,2-dithiolan-3-one, 5-chloro-4-phenyl-1,2-dithiolan-3-one,N-methylpyrolidone, phenyl-(2-cyano-2-chlorovinyl)sulfone,methylenebisthiocyanate, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol,2,2-dibromo-2-ethanol, 2-bromo-4′-hydroxyacetophenone, dibromonitrilepropionamide, 2-bromo-2-bromomethylglutarnitrile, sodium percarbonate,potassium persulfate, sodium perborate, ortho-phenylphenol, diphenyl,2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol, para-chloromethaxylenol, n-butylpara-hydroxybenzoate, ethyl para-hydroxybenzoate, methylpara-hydroxybenzoate, benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride,chlorohexidine hydrochloride, chlorohexidine gluconate,2-pyridinethiol-1-oxide, zinc salts of 2-pyridinethiol-1-oxide, sodium2-pyridinethiol-1-oxide, N,N′-hexamethylenebis(4-carbamoyl-1-decylpyridinium bromide) and4,4′-(tetramethylenediamino)bis(1-decylpyridinium bromide).

[0080] Examples of natural essential oils include cineol, hinokitiol,menthol, terpineol, borneol, nopol, citral, citronellal, citronellol,geraniol, linalool, dimethyloctanol and thymol.

[0081] Iodine antimicrobial agents are also exemplified as theantimicrobial agents of non-bleaching powder type in the presentinvention. Of them, solids are particularly preferred. Their examplesinclude 2,3,3-triiodoallyl alcohols, 2,3,3-triiodoallyl ethers,2,3,3-triiodoallylazoles, 3-iodo-2-propagylbutylcarbamic acid,4-chlorophenyl(3-iodopropagyl)formal, iodopropagylazoles,diiodo-para-trisulfone, popidone iodine, benzyliodine acetate andpara-nitrobenzyliodine acetate.

[0082] These antimicrobial agents of non-bleaching powder type may beused alone or a mixture of two or more. Antimicrobial agents ofnon-bleaching powder type that are made into clathrate compounds withthe aforementioned multi-molecular host compounds are also preferablyused.

[0083] Clathrate compounds are easily prepared by reacting guestantimicrobial agents of non-bleaching powder type with host compoundswith stirring for several minutes to several hours at a temperaturebetween ordinary temperature and 100□, and, if required, in the presenceof water or organic solvents.

[0084] Base materials used together with antimicrobial agents ofnon-bleaching powder type in the present invention are selected fromcalcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate, tricalcium phosphate anhydride,magnesium hydrogen phosphate tri-hydrate, magnesium hydrogen phosphateocta-hydrate, lactose, vanillin, calcium citrate tetra-hydrate, calciumsulfate dihydrate, calcium sulfate hemi-hydrate, acetoacetate anilide,acetoacetate-o-toluidide, acetoacetate-p-toluidide,acetoacetate-o-anicidide, sorbitol, alkylsorbitan esters (HLB: 14 orless), nonionic surface active agents such as glycerin monofatty acidesters, and sucrose fatty acid esters (HLB: 14 or less). They may beused alone or a mixture of two or more. It is desirable to decide bytaking into consideration effects on tabletability when pressuremolding, solubility in water, disintegration and stability ofantimicrobial agents.

[0085] Preferred base materials are neutral substances that do notincrease chlorine gas generation when mixed with commercially availabledetergents containing hypochlorites. Sorbitol, lactose,acetoacetate-o-toluidide and calcium sulfate hydrates are particularlypreferred when clathrate compounds are used as antimicrobial agents ofnon-bleaching powder type. Furthermore, calcium sulfate hemi-hydratesare preferred, when calcium sulfate is used as a base material, from theviewpoint of easy control of moldability and solubility. Among calciumsulfate hemi-hydrates, the β type prepared by burning at ordinarypressure is more preferred than the α type produced by burning underpressure, in point of hardly causing the deformation of molded productsdue to absorbing water. When the β-type calcium sulfate hemi-hydrate isused, the combined use with lactose is more preferred in respect tocontrol of the said moldability and solubility.

[0086] A mixing ratio between an antimicrobial agent of non-bleachingpowder type and a base material in the present invention can changearbitrarily in the range between 1 to 99 parts by weight of anantimicrobial agent of non-bleaching powder type and 99 to 1 part byweight of a base material, as using conditions vary. It is preferably 5to 20 parts by weight of an antimicrobial agent of non-bleaching powdertype and 95 to 80 parts by weight of a base material. When a clathratecompound is used as an antimicrobial agent of non-bleaching powder type,a preferred mixing ratio is 2 to 30 parts by weight of the saidclathrate compound and 98 to 70 parts by weight of a base material.

[0087] When an antimicrobial agent of non-bleaching powder type and abase material are pressure molded, pressure molding is made easy byadding, as required, a glazing agent such as calcium stearate, magnesiumstearate, sodium stearate, sodium benzoate or ortho-boric acid at aratio of 0.1 to 5% by weight to the total weight of the slimepreventing/removing agent, and a binder such as hydroxypropyl cellulose,sodium alginate, polyvinyl alcohol or polyvinyl pyrolidone at a ratio of1 to 15% by weight to the total weight of the slime preventing/removingagent.

[0088] It is possible to add a saturated C₁₄ to C₂₄ fatty acid, such asstearic acid, in order to improve the stability (swelling anddisintegration prevention) of the agent in water as well as givingglazability when molding. Particularly when calcium sulfate is used as abase material, it is preferable to add a saturated C₁₄ to C₂₄ fatty acidas a dissolution regulator. A saturated C₁₄ to C₂₄ fatty acid is addedat a ratio of 1 to 10% by weight to the total weight of the slimepreventing/removing agent. It is possible to add more than 10% byweight. However, the result is a slow dissolving rate. Actual examplesof C₁₄ to C₂₄ saturated fatty acids include stearic acid and lauricacid. Metal salts of the above saturated C₁₄ to C₂₄ fatty acids used asglazing agents, such as calcium stearate, are not suitable to use asdissolution regulators, because of possible damage to the moldability ifthey are used at a ratio of more than 1% by weight to the total weightof the slime preventing/removing agent. Further, a corrosion inhibitor,such as alkylthioureas or triazoles, may be added, depending onapplications, to control the corrosion of metal portions of pipes andthe like. An addition of diatomaceous earth, sulfuric acid clay or thelike gives an antistatic effect when molding.

[0089] An active ingredient can be spread widely over slime contaminatedsurfaces by adding various surface active agents. A component giving abitter taste, if added, may prevent infants from taking in the agentaccidentally. It is also possible to control bad smells of kitchengarbage or inlet pipes by adding a deodorant or aromatic.

[0090] A solid can take any shape, such as spherical, tablet,cylindrical, rectangular parallelopiped, pyramidal or doughnut-shape,and any size if it can be stored in a container. To use a solid, forexample, one cylindrical or doughnut-shaped solid may be used, fittingto the shape of the solid storage of a container. A large number ofsmall granules may be also used. In case a large quantity of smallgranules are used, it is possible to use granules of the same kind aswell as small granular solids of two or more different types, such aschemicals containing different blending ingredients or having differentsolubilities. Shapes, such as disk, square with corners removed, oval,flat spherical or spherical, are preferably selected because of easypressure molding and easy installation in narrow places. Small solids of30 mm or less, preferably 20 mm or less, and particularly preferably 15mm or less, in the maximum length are effective for spraying ahomogeneous solution and adjusting solubility. The present inventioncovers, for convenience, solids of forms that prevent the activeingredient from flowing out more than required when it contacts withdrainage and that let the active ingredient dissolve in the contacteddrainage at an appropriate rate, such that a slime preventing/removingagent or the like is stored in a water-permeable bag, tube or the like,made of nonwoven fabric, paper, film or the like, that a slimepreventing/removing agent or the like is supported by such a material assponge or foamed plastic, and that a liquid slime preventing/removingagent or the like is impregnated in a porous mineral and the like.

[0091] In the present invention, a container for the storage of solidscontaining a microorganism growth retarding substance can take anyshape, if it has a shape for permitting its installation at the top orupper part of an inlet pipe, has drainage flow-in holes having anopening degree capable of controlling a drainage flow-in amount andprovided in the upper surface or the upper side of the container, hassolution flow-out holes having an opening degree capable of controllinga flow-out amount of a solid-dissolved solution and provided in thebottom or the lower side, or additionally in the side surface, of thecontainer, and can spread the solid-dissolved solution over slimecontaminated wall surfaces. Examples of shapes capable of beinginstalled at the top or the upper part of an inlet pipe include a shapecomposing a rim formed around the periphery of a ring-shaped containermain body, a shape with more than one holder extended from the containermain body horizontally, or a shape having more than one holder fixedvertically on the container main body, as well as a filter shape such asa radially cut rubber filter installed at the drain outlet of a kitchensink or a ring-shaped container capable of setting and fixing to the topor bottom of such a rubber filter with help of the elastic force of anelastic body such as rubber. Containers of this type are used in thecondition of being fixed to the filter. It is preferable that such arubber filter or the like has notches at places corresponding to thedrainage flow-in holes or solution flow-out holes provided in acontainer of this type. In case a container storing a chemical isseparated from a filter, such as those mentioned above, it is possibleto discard the container only. The present invention also coversintegrated types where a container storing solids is attached to anoriginal filter.

[0092] To be able to spread a solid-dissolved solution over slimecontaminated wall surfaces, it is possible to provide solution flow-outholes in the lower side of the container main body, and also to fixdistribution pipes, distribution troughs, pointed distribution fine rodsor the like, to the solution flow-out holes or near them.

[0093] A solid, if it is of small granules, may be put in from thedrainage flow-in holes. When a solid is stored in a container, acontainer having a structure able to be divided into two and combinedwith known joint materials, or having an opening for putting in solidsand a filter in part of the container, can be used. It is possible touse a container with joint materials integrated to the main body, asmentioned above, to make it possible to install the container at the topor the upper part of an inlet pipe. If there is a stopper or a filter inan inlet pipe or a garbage basket, a container of shape similar to thestopper or filter can be preferably used. Examples of filter shapesinclude a variety of commercially available filters set in the drainoutlets of kitchens, bathrooms and others, such as radially cut rubberfilters, plastic filters with garbage flow-in openings at the center ofthe filter, filters with slit-type garbage collectors that can open andclose, and small plate-shaped filters having metal nets or small holesto prevent garbage from coming in and to let only drainage flow in. Acontainer can be simply installed, as it is, if it is a filter to be setin the kitchen sink drain outlet.

[0094] Various known materials, such as plastics, rubber and metal, canbe used for the containers. A variety of plastics are preferably usedfrom the viewpoint of cost, processing and other conditions. In case acontainer consists of a filter to be set in a kitchen sink drain outlet,a plastic filter, for example, a colored plastic filter, can be usedinstead of conventional rubber filters.

[0095] Drainage flow-in holes are provided in the upper surface or theupper side of a container and arranged to have an opening degree capableof controlling a drainage flow-in amount, that is, when drainage is in alarge quantity, some of the drainage flow into the solid storage throughthe drainage flow-in holes, but most of it flows out as it is withoutpassing through the drainage flow-in holes. Actual examples includethose having one or more adjusted openings in the upper surface or theupper side of a container, and those provided with drainage flow-inholes in the base of a trough adjusted so as to guide only some of thedrainage into the drainage flow-in holes. With such drainage flow-inholes provided, a flow-in amount is controlled to prevent asolid-dissolved solution from flowing backward through the drainageflow-in holes, even if water is in a large quantity.

[0096] Solution flow-out holes are provided in the bottom or the lowerside, or additionally in the side, of the container so as to be able tospread a solid-dissolved solution over slime contaminated wall surfaces.Their actual examples include more than one solution flow-out holehaving a controlled opening degree and provided along the top of aninlet or along the upper fringe of a garbage basket, solution flow-outholes provided in the inner side of a filter, such as radially cutrubber filter, to diffuse the solution over the front and back surfacesof the rubber filter, solution flow-out holes having a controlledopening degree and are provided at the base ends of more than onedistribution pipe (trough) whose tips can touch the upper part of adrainpipe or garbage basket, and holes provided with pointeddistribution fine rods that can touch the upper part of a garbagebasket, in the vicinity of the solution flow-out holes, instead ofdistribution pipes (troughs).

[0097] It is particularly preferable to provide solution flow-out holesin the bottom of a container and sides at the peripheral and centralsides so that a solution can be diffused over the surrounding area of aninlet pipe, a garbage basket and the front and back surfaces of a rubberfilter.

[0098] The solution flow-out holes having the controlled opening degreeinclude those having a total opening area so that the maximum amount ofwater held in a container flows out at a rate of 0.5 to 500 seconds,preferably 2 to 100 seconds, and more preferably 5 to 50 seconds. Ifsolution flow-out holes have a total opening area that the maximumamount of water in a container flows out at faster than 0.5 seconds, thechemical-dissolved solution flows out while a small volume of drainageis still flowing and water used does not finish draining down. As aresult, the solution is diluted with water, the chemical staying in theslime contaminated area becomes low in concentration so as to make theslime preventing/removing effect weak, and the chemical is wastedbecause the chemical-dissolved solution flows down together with thedrainage while water is draining. On the other hand, if solutionflow-out holes have a total opening area that a flowing-out time exceeds500 seconds, the flow-out holes become too small in area, and problems,such as the blockage of flow-out holes with garbage or chemicalfragments in the draining water, are likely to occur. In the case ofless than 2 seconds or exceeding 100 seconds, the tendencies occurringin the above cases of shorter than 0.5 seconds or longer than 500seconds become very light.

[0099] It is possible to prevent and remove slime more efficiently ifthe total opening area of solution flow-out holes is 0.98 to 0.01,preferably 0.95 to 0.1, of that of drainage flow-in holes. This isbecause a solid-dissolved solution flows out in a small amount whilewater is draining even if a drainage amount is large, and a solution ofan effective concentration flows out after all water drains down. Incase the total opening area of solution flow-out holes exceeds 0.98 ofthat of drainage flow-in holes, slime preventing/removing effects becomeinsufficient. This is because a small amount of water flows into acontainer if drainage is flowing down in a short time and it becomesdifficult to dissolve a chemical sufficiently and to secure a sufficientamount of the solution to spread over the wall surfaces. If the totalopening area of solution flow-out holes is less than 0.01 of that ofdrainage flow-in holes, the openings of the drainage flow-in holesbecomes too wide. As a result, a drainage flow-in rate is too fast andthe solution flows backward from the drainage flow-in holes, which mayresult in wasteful flowing-out of the active ingredient together withdraining water or problems such as garbage flowing into the container.

[0100] Holes for drainage flowing in or a solution flowing out may takeany shape as far as drainage can flow in and a solution can flow out,such as circular, oval, rectangular, star, slit or ring. It ispreferable to shape the drainage flow-in holes in slits, numerous smallholes, netting, or the like, which are effective to prevent garbage fromflowing in. In this case, the slit width or the area of small holes isadjusted in a range that only a small amount of garbage flows in andwater flowing in is not blocked due to surface tension. It is possibleto cover the openings with a material letting water pass through, suchas nonwoven fabric, if it lets drainage flow in. In this case, the totalopening area of drainage flow-in holes is considered to be an openingarea for an equivalent amount of water flowing through.

[0101] Solution flow-out holes are preferably of a slit shape cut fromthe bottom to the lower side of a container, for the prevention ofblockage with flowing-in garbage and the like and advantages in molding.This kind of shape prevents the solution flow-out holes from beingcompletely blocked even if garbage and the like accumulate in the bottomand a chemical from dissolving extremely quickly due to water staying inthe container all the time.

[0102] If drainage flow-in holes are circular or square, though providedin the upper surface or the upper side of a container, they should be 4mm or more in diameter or width in order to overcome the water surfacetension for guiding drainage into the container smoothly. If holes ofthis size are made in a container, however, solid garbage, such as foodscraps, flows into the container together with draining water in thecase of kitchen drain outlets. This results in contaminating the insideof the container, preventing contact between a solid chemical and water,or blocking the drain flow-out holes. Therefore the drainage flow-inholes of the containers of the present invention have a structure tocontrol garbage flowing in. The structures to control garbage flowing inhave (1) a shape allowing to guide drainage into the container smoothlyand to prevent garbage from flowing into the container, (2) flow-inholes composing hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, and (3) netting flow-inholes. One of these or a combination of these can control garbageflowing into the container.

[0103] The shape which guides draining water into the container smoothlyand prevents garbage from flowing into the container refers toslit-shaped drainage holes. It is characterized in that drainage flow-inholes are provided at least in the upper surface of the container, andhave more than one drainage flow-in slit consisting of one or more slitsalong the direction to the center of the inlet pipe at appropriateintervals. The slits are 0.5 to 4 mm, further 0.5 to 3 mm, andparticularly 1 to 2 mm, wide. Slits of 0.5 mm or wider can let waterflow into the container, as the balance of water surface tension isbroken, differing from circular holes. The flowing in of garbage can beprevented as much as possible if the slits are 4 mm or narrower,preferably 3 mm or narrower.

[0104] If slits are provided along the direction towards the center ofthe inlet pipe from the periphery where drainage flows into the inletpipe, even narrow slits can let drainage flow into the container. It ispreferable to extend the slits in the upper surface to the side end ofthe central side of the upper surface of the container and further toprovide them continuously to the upper side of the central side. Thelength of the slits is longer than the width, and is arbitrarilyselected. It is preferable to be 2 mm or longer, preferably 5 mm orlonger, in the total length of the upper and side portions. Slits may befurther extended to the side bottom or to the bottom of the container,being used also as solution flow-out holes.

[0105] Materials used for containers with flow-in holes can be madehydrophilic by using hydrophilic plastic materials for the containers,using materials with hydrophilic surface active agents kneaded intocontainer plastics, or applying hydrophilic coating agents or paintsonto the surfaces of the containers. Then, the influence of watersurface tension is made small. It is therefore possible to let waterflow from the drainage flow-in holes of the container into the inside ofthe container more smoothly and to prevent oils contained in drainagefrom attaching to the container as well.

[0106] It is possible to make drainage flow-in holes of the containerthat, if composed of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, let only waterinfiltrate into the fabric and flow into the container to dissolve achemical without garbage flowing into it. To do so, the size of theflow-in holes can be arbitrarily chosen in consideration of theinfiltration through the nonwoven fabric.

[0107] When the flow-in holes of the container have a netting structure,it is possible to let only water flow into the container and dissolve achemical without garbage flowing into it. To do so, the sizes of theflow-in holes and the netting meshes may be arbitrarily set inconsideration of the permeability.

[0108] In the present invention, a slime contaminated wall surfacerefers to an extent having an area, such as plane or curved surface, onwhich slime is generated, such as the inner wall surface of drainpipesof kitchen sinks, bathrooms and toilet floors, the front and backsurfaces of rubber filters at the drain outlets of kitchen sinks, andsides and bottom of garbage baskets installed under the filters orplaced in kitchen sinks.

[0109] When a small slime preventing/removing agent of the presentinvention composing tablets of 30 mm or less, preferably 20 mm or less,and more preferably 15 mm or less, in the maximum length is used, asolution can be spread over the slime contaminated surfaces, using acontainer of the present invention. If slime surfaces are not those ofinlet pipes but those of triangular baskets (garbage baskets which areplaced in kitchen sinks) or local areas, it is possible to prevent andremove slime with small tablets that are placed in a container composinga bag made of nonwoven fabric, plastic film with fine holes, or thelike, and are set at the target place to remove slime by various knownfixing means, such as threads, strings, metal lines, plastic stoppers oradhesive tapes.

[0110] In case the above small tablets are used, it is possible toattach a flexible tape-shaped material carrying the saidpreventing/removing agent, to the upper part of slime contaminated wallsurfaces and to spread the agent-dissolved solution over the wallsurfaces.

[0111] A flexible tape-shaped material of the present invention can beany material if it can carry a slim preventing/removing agent containinga microorganism growth retarding substance and spread the solution ofthe agent over slime contaminated wall surfaces, when adhered, forexample, to the upper part of the wall surface of a garbage basket inthe sink.

[0112] A material for the flexible tape-shaped material can be anymaterial, if it is flexible and at least one side lets water passthrough or is water-permeable. Examples of materials having ability tolet water pass through or being water-permeable include sponge, foamedplastics, nonwoven fabric, paper and water-permeable film, orcombinations of these. A transparent, water-permeable or non-permeable,material, such as a transparent plastic, can be used at least on oneside so that the remaining amount of the chemical can be checkedvisually.

[0113] A flexible tape-shaped material can take any structure as far asit can support a slime preventing/removing agent of shape or form, suchas powder, fine granule, granule, sphere, tablet, gel or liquid, and thesupported agent is dissolved by drainage. For example, theagent-dissolved solution can flow out, when the material is attached tosuch a place as the upper part of the wall surface of a garbage basket.It is exemplified that a slime preventing/removing agent of tablet oranother form is put between tape-shaped nonwoven fabrics, papers,water-permeable films or the like, a slime preventing/removing agent ofgranular or another shape is stored in a bag made of nonwoven fabric,paper, water-permeable film or the like, completely or partly, and aliquid slime preventing/removing agent is impregnated in such a materialas sponge or foamed plastic.

[0114] Any means is applicable to attach a flexible tape-shaped materialto the upper part of the slime contaminated wall surface, as far as itcan retain the material at the upper part of the slime contaminated wallsurface, such as the upper part of the wall surface of a garbage basketplaced in a kitchen sink. The means is roughly grouped into two: toattach to the upper part or the like of the outer wall surface of agarbage basket and to attach to the upper part or the like of the innerwall surface of a garbage basket. The latter means is exemplified by theuse of a flexible tape-shaped material itself or a flexible materialhaving restitutive force in part of it in order to press the material toattach to the upper part of the inner wall, more than one protrusionfixed to the surface of a flexible tape-shaped material in order to pushthem into the meshes of a garbage basket for fixing the material to theupper part of the inner wall, and a proper number of inverted L-shapedbrackets installed along the upper edge of a flexible tape-shapedmaterial for hooking up on the edge of the garbage basket.

[0115] The means to attach on the upper part of the outer wall surfaceof a garbage basket is further divided roughly into that integrated withflexible tape-shaped materials and that not integrated. Examples of thelatter include a fixing material having pins at the both ends,preferably consisting of a fixing material with pins at the two ends ofan elastic body and a flexible tape-shaped material having pin holes atthe two longitudinal ends. The pins at the ends of the fixing materialare pushed into the pin holes at the longitudinal ends of a flexibletape-shaped material. The ends of the two materials are put together soas to be able to attach the flexible tape-shaped material at the upperpart of the outer wall surface of a garbage basket. Fixing materials ofthis type are advantageously used in particular when applied to portionsof slime to be removed with different peripheral lengths, such asgarbage baskets of various outer sizes placed in kitchen sinks. In otherwords, a flexible tape-shaped material provided in a spiral form andwith pin holes made at proper intervals in the longitudinal direction iscut to fit the peripheral length of the garbage basket and the pins atthe ends of the said fixing material are pushed into the pin holeslocated near the cut ends for connecting both ends. Thus the flexibletape-shaped material can be attached and retained at the upper part ofthe wall surface of a garbage basket.

[0116] Examples of those integrated with flexible tape-shaped materialsinclude fixing means provided at least at the two longitudinal ends of aflexible tape-shaped material, such as a material with pins at onelongitudinal end and pin holes at the other end for connecting the twolongitudinal ends of the tape-shaped material, a material with anadhesive tape on each longitudinal end, a material with a Magic Tape(Trade name) on each longitudinal end, and a material with engagingparts fixed at the two longitudinal ends, such as an engaging convexityhaving a T shape and provided at one longitudinal end and an engagingdent having a T shape and provided at the other longitudinal end. Aflexible tape-shaped material with Magic Tape (Trade name) provided oneach surface of the two longitudinal ends can apply on slime removingportions of different peripheral lengths, such as garbage baskets ofvarious outer sizes placed in kitchen sinks. In this case, the flexibletape-shaped material is cut to a required length and the cut ends arepressed to adhere so that the flexible tape-shaped material can be heldat the upper part of garbage baskets of various sizes.

[0117] When inlet pipes are those of bathrooms, a container storingsolids may be preferably used if it is provided with drainage guidingopenings to make water contact the solids, flow-out openings forsolutions of chemicals dissolved in drainage and fixings capable offixing the storing container at least to one of the front and back sidesof a drain grill at the bathroom drain outlet, and has a flat portioncapable of adhering to the drain grill at the drain outlets,particularly if drainage guiding openings are provided at least in theside walls of the storing container.

[0118] The slime removers of the present invention, particularly thoseapplied to rubber filters at the drain outlets of kitchen sinks or togarbage baskets set under them, are concretely described. The technicalscope of the present invention is not, however, limited to thesedescriptions.

[0119]FIG. 1 shows a Slime Remover 1 of the present invention, thatconsists of ring-shaped Container Main Body 2 fitted to a shape of aninlet pipe or a garbage basket and four pieces of Holder 3 to sitContainer Main Body 2 at the upper part of the inlet pipe or basket. Ithas two or more rectangular Drainage Flow-in Holes 4 in the mildlyangled upper surface of Container Main Body 2, and two or more circularSolution Flow-out Holes 5 in the lower side of Container Main Body 2.Container Main Body 2, though not illustrated, is constructed so thatthe upper and lower main bodies can be vertically separated into two.The space between the upper and lower main bodies forms a storagecapable of storing a solid containing a microorganism growth retardingsubstance (hereinafter referred to as “chemical”).

[0120]FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-section when the above Slime Remover 1with more than one small spherical piece of Chemical 6 is applied toGarbage Basket 9 under Rubber Filter 8 at Kitchen Sink Drain Outlet 7.Rubber Filter 8 usually has drainage flow-out holes, such as shown inFIG. 3. When drainage is in a large volume, most of it flows out fromCenter 10 and drains down as it is. Some of it flow down throughCircular Holes 11 provided in the peripheral portion. Some of theflowing drainage reaches the chemical storage through Drainage Flow-inHoles 4 and dissolves Chemical 6. The chemical-dissolved solution flowsout from Solution Flow-out Holes 5 about when no more water drains down,flows down along the wall of Garbage Basket 9, and diffuses over thebottom surface on reaching the bottom so as to efficiently remove slime.In the case of insufficient slime removal on the bottom surface ofGarbage Basket 9, it is possible to make a small number of solutionflow-out holes in the bottom of the inner side of Container Main Body 2.

[0121]FIG. 4 shows a Slime Remover 1 of the same type as that shown inFIG. 1. This Slime Remover 1 has Rim 12 to sit Container Main Body 2 atthe upper part of an inlet pipe or garbage basket. Two or more DrainageFlow-in Holes 4 are circular in shape. More than one Solution Flow-outHole 5 have a rectangular shape. A chemical to be stored can be of smallspherical shape. Beads can also be used so as not to move around in thestorage. In addition, it may be a ring-shaped one fitted to the shape ofthe storage container.

[0122] A Slime Remover 1 of the present invention, shown in FIG. 5, iscomposed of Container Main Body 2 with Chemical Storage 13 provided inpart of the ring fitted to the shape of an inlet pipe or garbage basketand four pieces of Holder 3 to sit Container Main body 2 at the upperpart of the inlet pipe or garbage basket. Drainage Flow-in Hole 4consisting of more than one slit is provided in the upper surface ofContainer Main Body 2. Two or more circular Solution Flow-out Holes 5are in the lower side of Container Main Body 2. The slit portion ofDrainage Flow-in Hole 4, though not illustrated, is designed to be a lidfor storing a chemical. From this hole, 1 to 3 pieces of relatively bigChemical 6, for example, cylindrical, can be inserted. FIG. 6 shows avertical cross-section when this Slime Remover 1 is applied to GarbageBasket 9 under Rubber Filter 8 at Kitchen Sink Drain Outlet 7.

[0123]FIGS. 7 and 8 show Slime Removers 1 of the present invention thatcan apply to inlet pipes and garbage baskets of various diameters. TheseSlime Removers 1 are composed of Container Main Body 2 of shape of ringor the like that is smaller than the diameters of inlet pipes or garbagebaskets, and, for example, 4 pieces of Holder Trough 14 that sitContainer Main Body 2 at the upper part of an inlet pipe or garbagebasket and work as drainage guiding troughs as well, and two or moreDistribution Pipes 15 (FIG. 7) or Distribution Troughs 16 (FIG. 8)extending from two or more Solution Flow-out Holes 5 provided in thelower side of Container Main Body 2 and whose tips can touch the upperpart of the drainpipe or garbage basket. There are two or morerectangular Drainage Flow-in Holes 4 in the bottom of thecircumferential groove of the upper surface of Container Main Body 2.

[0124] The above Holder Troughs 14 may have a U shape only in the uppersurface for easy drainage guiding, as shown in FIG. 7, or are flatplates as shown in FIG. 8. For the convenience of applying to inletpipes and garbage baskets of various diameters, it is preferable to makeHolder Troughs 14 longer beforehand and to cut them to fit to thediameters. The said Distribution Pipes 15 and Troughs 16 are favorablymade of flexible materials. Distribution Pipes 15 may be of bugle shapewith the tip crushed or of a circular tube shape, as shown in FIG. 7.FIG. 9 shows a vertical cross-section of the key area, when this SlimeRemover 1 is applied to Garbage Basket 9 under Rubber Filter 8 atKitchen Sink Drain Outlet 7. Distribution Pipes 15 and Troughs 16 areused in a condition that their tips are located lower than the base, asshown in FIG. 9.

[0125] Furthermore, it is possible to provide protrusions at the tips ofDistribution Pipes 15 and Troughs 16, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. Withsuch Protrusions 17, when a slime remover of this type is set in agarbage basket, the container main body is pushed in a place a littlebelow the using position of the slime remover and then moved up to theusing position by elastic force or the like of the said Holder Trough14. Then, Protrusions 17 are held by the meshes of a garbage basket. Asa result, the tips of Distribution Pipes 15 or Troughs 16 are set moresecurely at a lower position than the base. FIG. 12 shows a verticalcross-section of the key area when a Slime Remover 1 having DistributionPipes 15 or Troughs 16 with Protrusions 17 is applied to Garbage Basket9 under Rubber Filter 8 at Kitchen Sink Drain Outlet 7.

[0126]FIG. 13 shows a Slime Remover 1 of the present invention that hasChemical Storage 13 in the periphery of Rubber Filter 18 at Kitchen SinkDrain Outlet 7. This Slime Remover 1 has more than one rectangularDrainage Flow-in Hole 4 in the peripheral upper surface of Rubber Filter18 and two or more circular Solution Flow-out Holes 5 in the peripheralbottom of Rubber Filter 18. FIG. 14 shows a vertical cross-section whenthis Slime Remover 1 with Chemical Storage 13 provided in the peripheryof Rubber Filter 18 and containing small granules of Chemical 6 isapplied to Kitchen Sink Drain Outlet 7.

[0127] In FIG. 15, a Slime Remover 1 of the present invention is shownthat has Chemical Storage 13 in the side of the outer periphery ofRubber Filter 18 at Kitchen Sink Drain Outlet 7. This Slime Remover 1 isprovided with more than one rectangular Drainage Flow-in Hole 4 in theouter peripheral edge of the upper surface of Rubber Filter 18, and withtwo or more circular Solution Flow-out Holes 5 in the bottom of theperipheral edge and inner side. FIG. 16 shows a vertical cross-sectionwhen this Slime Remover 1, with more than one small granule of Chemical6 filled in a water-permeable tube and set in the inside of ChemicalStorage 13 provided in the outer peripheral side of Rubber Filter 18, isapplied to Kitchen Sink Drain Outlet 7. The Slime Remover 1 consistingof this Rubber Filter 18 particularly has more than one circularSolution Flow-out Hole 5 in the inner peripheral side of Rubber Filter18 so as to be able to prevent slime from generating, for example, onthe front and back surfaces of radially cut Rubber Filter 18.

[0128]FIG. 17 shows a Slime Remover 1 of the present invention, withring-shaped Chemical Storage 19 capable of fixing freely in the bottomof Rubber Filter 8 which is fixed to Rubber Filter 8 at Kitchen SinkDrain Outlet 7. The ring-shaped Chemical Storage 19 has more than onecircular Drainage Flow-in Hole 4 in the upper lid, and more than onecircular Solution Flow-out Hole 5 in the bottom of the storage mainbody. FIG. 18 shows a vertical cross-section when a Slime Remover 1,with the ring-shaped Chemical Storage 19 containing small granules ofChemical 6 in the storage main body which is set and fixed to the bottomof Rubber Filter 8, is applied to Kitchen Sink Drain Outlet 7.

[0129]FIG. 19 shows another form of a slime remover of the presentinvention, with a ring-shaped chemical storage capable of fixing freelyin the bottom of Rubber Filter 8 and fixed to Rubber Filter 8 at thedrain outlet of a kitchen sink. Rubber Filter 8 has more than onerectangular Drainage Flow-in Hole 23 in the inner peripheral edge, morethan one Solution Flow-out Hole 24 in the inner side, and more than oneHolding Tab 25 to engage and fix the chemical storage to the bottom ofthe peripheral outer edge. The ring-shaped chemical storage is composedof a container lid and Container Main Body 19. The container lid hasDrainage Flow-in Slits 4 along the direction to the center of the sinkdrain outlet (corresponding to the above rectangular Drainage Flow-inHoles 23). Container Main Body 19 is equipped with Drainage Flow-inSlits 4 (corresponding to the above rectangular Drainage Flow-in Holes23) composing more than one slit aligned to the above Drainage Flow-inSlits 4 and Solution Flow-out Holes/Exhausts 26 (corresponding to theabove Solution Flow-out Holes 24) in the inner upper side, more than onecircular Solution Flow-out Bole 5 in the bottom, and more than oneLocating Socket 27 (corresponding to the above Holding Tab 25) in thebottom of the outer peripheral edge. More than one Solution Flow-outHole/Exhaust 26 provided in the inner upper side of the chemical storagelet a chemical-dissolved solution touch the front and back surfaces ofRubber Filter 8, and function as exhausts as well so that drainage flowsin smoothly. FIG. 20 is a rough vertical cross-section when the aboveslime remover, with a ring-shaped chemical storage storing smallgranules of Chemical 6 in the storage main body and engaged and fixed tothe inside of the bottom of Rubber Filter 8, is applied to the drainoutlet of a kitchen sink.

[0130]FIG. 21 shows a slime remover similar to that shown in FIG. 19.FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of part of it. A slime remover of this typehas Rubber Filter 8 to which a ring-shaped chemical storage capable offixing freely in the bottom of Rubber Filter 8 is fixed. Rubber Filter 8has more than one rectangular Drainage Flow-in Hole in the innerperipheral edge, more than one Solution Flow-out Hole in the inner side,and 3 pieces of Holding Tab 25′ to engage and fix the chemical storagein the bottom periphery of the inner side. The ring-shaped chemicalstorage, of which the lid and main body of the container are firmlyfixed together, has drainage flow-in slits composing more than one slitalong the direction towards the center of the inlet pipe and locating inplaces from the upper surface to the upper part of the inner side, atthe positions corresponding to the above rectangular drainage flow-inholes. It has also more than one circular Solution Flow-out Hole 5 inthe inner side, more than one Solution Flow-out Hole/Exhaust 26 in theouter side, more than one circular Solution Flow-out Hole 5 in thebottom, and more than one Solution Flow-out Hole/Exhaust 26′ in theouter side.

[0131]FIG. 23 shows a Slime Remover 1 of the present invention withring-shaped Chemical Storage 19 capable of fixing freely in the innerupper side of Rubber Filter 8 and fixed to Rubber Filter 8 at KitchenSink Drain Outlet 7. The ring-shaped Chemical Storage 19 has more thanone rectangular Drainage Flow-in Hole 4 in the upper surface of thefilter, and more than one circular Solution Flow-out Hole 5 in thebottom of the storage main body. Chemical Storage 19, fixed to theinside of the upper part of Rubber Filter 8, lets a chemical-dissolvedsolution touch the front and back surfaces of Rubber Filter 8. FIG. 24is a vertical cross-section when this Slime Remover 1, with ring-shapedChemical Storage 19 storing small granules of Chemical 6 in the storagemain body and engaged and fixed to the inside of the upper part ofRubber Filter 8, is applied to Kitchen Sink Drain Outlet 7.

[0132]FIG. 25 shows a Slime Remover 1 of the present inventionapplicable to inlet pipes and garbage baskets of various diameters. ThisSlime Remover 1 consists of Container Main Body 2 of a ring shape as bigas or smaller than the diameter of an inlet pipe or garbage basket, 4pieces of Holder Trough 14 that sit Container Main Body 2 at the upperpart of the inlet pipe or the basket and work as drainage guidingtroughs as well, and more than one Pointed Distribution Fine Rod 20 madeof plastic or the like, that are integrated in the vicinity of more thanone circular Solution Flow-out Hole 5 in the bottom of Container MainBody 2 and whose tips can touch the upper part of a drainpipe or garbagebasket. There are two or more rectangular Drainage Flow-in Holes 4 inthe bottom of the circumferential groove of the upper surface ofContainer Main Body 2. A chemical-dissolved solution from SolutionFlow-out Holes 5 can reach the wall surface of the inlet pipe or garbagebasket by traveling along Pointed Distribution Fine Rods 20, because ofits slow flowing-out speed. Pointed Distribution Fine Rods 20 made ofplastics or the like are flexible so as to be able to touch the wallsurface, even if Container Main Body 2 is smaller than the diameters ofinlet pipes or garbage baskets. Container Main Body 2, though notillustrated, is constructed so that the upper and lower main bodies canbe vertically separated into two. The space between the upper and lowermain bodies forms Chemical Storage 13 capable of storing Chemical 6.Furthermore, the above Holder Troughs 14 may have a U shape only in theupper surface so that drainage can be easily guided. FIG. 26 shows avertical cross-section of the key area when this Slim Remover 1 isapplied to Garbage Basket 9 under Rubber Filter 8 at Kitchen Sink DrainOutlet 7. As shown in FIG. 26, Pointed Distribution Fine Rods 20 areused in the condition that their tips are located lower than the base.

[0133]FIG. 27 shows a Slime Remover 1 of the present inventionapplicable to inlet pipes and garbage baskets where it is difficult toinstall Container Main Body 2 on their upper part. This Slime Remover 1consists of Container Main Body 2 of ring shape or the like, and 3pieces of inverted L-shaped Brackets 21 vertically fixed on ContainerMain Body 2 and for fixing Container Main Body 2 to the top of an inletpipe or a garbage basket. There are two or more rectangular DrainageFlow-in Holes 4 in the mildly angled upper surface of Container MainBody 2 and two or more circular Solution Flow-out Holes 5 in the lowerside of Container Main Body 2. FIG. 28 shows a rough verticalcross-section of the key area when this Slime Remover 1 is applied toGarbage Basket 9 under Rubber Filter 8 at Kitchen Sink Drain Outlet 7.This Slime Remover 1 can be easily installed even if there are obstaclesat an inlet pipe or at the upper part of a garbage basket, such asBasket Handle 22, while installing the remover. It is also possible tomake Container Main Body 2 of Slime Remover 1 a little smaller than thediameter of an inlet pipe or a garbage basket and to provide the abovePointed Distribution Fine Rods 20 made of plastic or the like in thevicinity of Solution Flow-out Holes 5.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0134]FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of perspective view of a slimeremover of the present invention having plate-type holders.

[0135]FIG. 2 is a rough vertical cross-section when the slime remover ofFIG. 1 is applied to the drain outlet of a kitchen sink.

[0136]FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of perspective view of aconventional rubber filter.

[0137]FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of perspective view of a slimeremover of the present invention having a rim.

[0138]FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of perspective view of a slimeremover of the present invention with a chemical storage provided inpart of the ring FIG. 6 is a rough vertical cross-section when the slimeremover of FIG. 5 is applied to the drain outlet of a kitchen sink.

[0139]FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of perspective view of a slimeremover of the present invention having distribution pipes.

[0140]FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of perspective view of a slimeremover of the present invention having distribution troughs.

[0141]FIG. 9 is a rough vertical cross-section of the key area when theslime remover of FIG. 7 or 8 is applied to the drain outlet of a kitchensink.

[0142]FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of perspective view of a slimeremover of the present invention having distribution pipes withprotrusions.

[0143]FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of perspective view of a slimeremover of the present invention having distribution troughs withprotrusions.

[0144]FIG. 12 is a rough vertical cross-section of the key area when theslime remover of FIG. 10 or 11 is applied to the drain outlet of akitchen sink.

[0145]FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of perspective view of a slimeremover of the present invention with a chemical storage provided in theperiphery of a rubber filter.

[0146]FIG. 14 is a rough vertical cross-section when the slime removerof FIG. 13 is applied to the drain outlet of a kitchen sink.

[0147]FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration of perspective view of a slimeremover of the present invention with a chemical storage provided in theouter peripheral side of a rubber filter.

[0148]FIG. 16 is a rough vertical cross-section when the slime removerof FIG. 15 is applied to the drain outlet of a kitchen sink.

[0149]FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration of perspective view of a slimeremover of the present invention with a ring-shaped chemical storagefreely applicable to the bottom of a rubber filter.

[0150]FIG. 18 is a rough vertical cross-section when the slime removerof FIG. 17 is applied to the drain outlet of a kitchen sink.

[0151]FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration of perspective view of anothertype of a slime remover of the present invention with a ring-shapedchemical storage freely applicable to the bottom of a rubber filter.

[0152]FIG. 20 is a rough vertical cross-section when the slime removerof FIG. 19 is applied to the drain outlet of a kitchen sink.

[0153]FIG. 21 is a schematic illustration of perspective view of anothertype of a slime remover of the present invention with a ring-shapedchemical storage freely applicable to the bottom of a rubber filter.

[0154]FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of part of the slime remover of FIG.21.

[0155]FIG. 23 is a schematic illustration of perspective view of a slimeremover of the present invention with a ring-shaped chemical storagefreely applicable to the upper part of a rubber filter.

[0156]FIG. 24 is a vertical cross-section when the slime remover of FIG.23 is applied to the drain outlet of a kitchen sink.

[0157]FIG. 25 is a schematic illustration of perspective view of a slimeremover of the present invention having pointed distribution fine rods.

[0158]FIG. 26 is a rough vertical cross-section of the key area when theslime remover of FIG. 25 is applied to the drain outlet of a kitchensink.

[0159]FIG. 27 is a schematic illustration of perspective view of a slimeremover of the present invention having inverted L-shaped brackets.

[0160]FIG. 28 is a rough vertical cross-section of the key area when theslime remover of FIG. 27 is applied to the drain outlet of a kitchensink.

LEGENDS

[0161]1. Slime remover

[0162]2. Container main body

[0163]3. Holder

[0164]4. Drainage flow-in hole

[0165]5. Solution flow-out hole

[0166]6. Chemical

[0167]7. Kitchen sink drain outlet

[0168]8. Rubber filter

[0169]9. Garbage basket

[0170]10. Center

[0171]11. Circular hole

[0172]12. Rim

[0173]13. Chemical storage

[0174]14. Holder trough

[0175]15. Distribution pipe

[0176]16. Distribution trough

[0177]17. Protrusion

[0178]18. Rubber filter (chemical storing type)

[0179]19. Chemical storage

[0180]20. Pointed distribution fine rod

[0181]21. Inverted L-shaped bracket

[0182]22. Basket handle

[0183]23. Rubber filter drainage flow-in hole

[0184]24. Rubber filter solution flow-out hole

[0185]25 (25′). Holding tab

[0186]26 (26′). Solution flow-out/exhaust

[0187]27. Locating socket

BEST FORM TO IMPLEMENT THE INVENTION

[0188] The present invention is described concretely in reference toExamples. The present invention is not however limited to theseexamples.

Example 1

[0189] The dispersibility of a chemical-dissolved solution was testedusing a slime remover shown in FIG. 3 (24 drainage flow-in holes of 4 mmin diameter, 12 solution flow-out holes of 2.4 mm×1 mm, and 20 ml ofwater, the maximum volume the container can hold, flowing out in 20seconds). A test chemical was prepared in the way that the followingingredients, which are pharmaceutical testing chemicals and are regardedto be stable in terms of color elution, were mixed to make tablets by amanual, oil-pressure tablet machine owned by the investors' institute inorder to understand the dispersibility of the chemical solution. Acommercially available container for storing a slime remover of chlorinetype was hung by a string for the use as a comparative example.

[0190] [Chemical Composition]

[0191] 84.5% of lactose, 10% of hydroxypropyl cellulose, 5% of colorindex acid blue 9, and 0.5% of magnesium stearate

[0192] [Tableting Conditions]

[0193] Pressure: 25 kg/cm² (gauge pressure)

[0194] Die and chemical weight: 11 mm in diameter (0.5 g), 30 mm indiameter (12 g)

[0195] [Chemicals Used]

[0196] Example: 26 disc-type tablets of 11 mm in diameter are stored.(Chemical weight: 0.5 g×26 tablets=13 g) Comparative Example: 1disc-type tablet of 30 mm in diameter is stored. (Chemical weight: 12 g)

[0197] Test conditions were that a kitchen sink made by Mikado Co., Ltd.with a large sink drain outlet was installed, a transparent PVC platewas applied so as to make drainage observation easy, the slime removerof the present invention or a dissolution container of ComparativeExample for DICHLOTOP was set, a rubber filter was placed, and tap waterflowed at a rate of about 6L/min. The dispersibility of the solutionscontaining color matter was observed in garbage baskets. It was foundthat, with the slime remover of the present invention, the chemicaldispersed all over the garbage basket. With the remover of ComparativeExample, the chemical partially touched only the bottom of thedissolution container, because of a string-hanging type.

EXAMPLE 2

[0198] Pressure-molded, solid chemicals of 10 mm in diameter wereprepared according to the conditions described below. 24 of them wereplaced in the container of the slime remover shown in FIG. 21 that had aradially cut rubber filter with a chemical storage [container drainageflow-in hole: 6 drainage flow-in slits consisting of 6 slits of 1.5 mmwide and 10 mm long (upper surface 7 mm and upper part of inner side 3mm), and container solution flow-out hole: 9 holes of 3 mm in diameterin the bottom, 6 holes of 1.5 mm wide×5 mm long in the upper part of theinner side and 6 holes of 2 mm wide×3 mm long in the upper part of theouter side]. The slime remover of the present invention was installed ina household kitchen sink for 2 months for a monitoring test. It wasconfirmed that no garbage entered into the container, and slime wasprevented from generating on the garbage filter, garbage basket, theinner surface of the drainpipe and the like, over the 2 months.

[0199] (Chemical Composition and Others)

[0200] A mixture of 5 parts by weight of TEP-CMI [a clathrate compoundprepared by the reaction between 2 moles of5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one as a guest antimicrobial agentand 1 mole of 1,1,2,2-tetrakis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane as amulti-molecular host compound] and 95 parts by weight ofacetoacetate-o-toluidide as a base material was placed in a continuousoil-pressure tablet machine with dies of 10 mm in diameter and tabletsof 3 g in weight were made under pressure of 1 t/cm².

EXAMPLE 3

[0201] (Preparation of Samples)

[0202] Each of the samples of cylindrically molded products of 10 mm indiameter was prepared by pressure molding from each of the mixtures ofblending ratios shown in Table 1. In Table 1, “TEP-CMI” refers to aclathrate compound prepared by the reaction between 2 moles of5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one as a guest antimicrobial agentand 1 mole of 1,1,2,2-tetrakis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane as amulti-molecular host compound; “Bronopol” is an antimicrobial agent,2-bromo-2-nitropropan-1,3-diol; “TIAA” is 2,3,3-triiodoallyl alcohol,and “HPC” is a binder, hydroxypropyl cellulose. TABLE 1 Sam- Sam- Sam-Sam- Sam- Sam- Sam- Sam- Sam- Sam- ple 1 ple 2 ple 3 ple 4 ple 5 ple 6ple 7 ple 8 ple 1* ple 2* Benzoic acid 95 CaSO_(□)0.5H₂O 60 80 35Acetoacetate- 95 55 o-toluidide Acetoacetate- 90 p-toluidideAcetoacetate- 85 o-anicidide Sorbitol 98 Lactose 22 47 35 TEP-CMI 5 5 55 5 5 5 Bronopol 10 TIAA 10 Trichloro- 99 isocyanuric acid Sodiumdichloro- isocyanurate HPC 8 10 8 10 5 Lauric 2 2 3 3 acid powderStearic 3 acid powder Calcium 0.2 0.2 0.1 1 stearate Tabletability ∘ ∘ ∘∘ ∘ ∘ ∘ ∘ ∘ ∘ Dissolution 6.1 5 1 11 12 7 5 7 7 8 rate Bleaching ∘ ∘ ∘ ∘∘ ∘ ∘ ∘ ∘ x powder smell Danger with ∘ ∘ ∘ ∘ ∘ ∘ ∘ ∘ x x Cl detergentAmount of ∘ ∘ ∘ ∘ □ ∘ ∘ □ ∘ ∘ slime attached

[0203] (Tableting and Disintegration Tests)

[0204] A continuous oil-pressure tablet machine with dies of 10 mm indiameter was installed and tablets were made under heavy pressure of 1t/cm². A test for “tabletability” was carried out in regard to split,capping, glazability, adhesion and other properties. All the sampleswere rated as “o” in the tabletability evaluation. None of them were badin tableting. A tablet of each of the molded samples was placed in a200-ml plastic cup, and 200 ml of distilled water was added. It was leftat room temperature for 24 hours to examine the disintegration of themolded. None of the samples were disintegrated.

[0205] (Solubility Tests)

[0206] A tablet of a molded product was placed in a commerciallyavailable container for storing a slime removing agent. The containerwith the tablet was set by hanging with a string in water at the depthof 25 to 29 cm in a commercially available pipette cleaner of 18 cm indiameter and 58 cm deep (amount of cleaning water: 14.75L, temperatureof cleaning water: 35 to 40° C., cleaning water contacting time: 3minutes, and cleaning interval: 6.6 minutes/time). It was cleanedcontinuously and the dissolving rate was measured. The figures in Table1 show times until the molded products were completely dissolved.

[0207] (Performance Tests)

[0208] Each sample (molded product) was placed in a commerciallyavailable container for storing a slime removing agent. The containerwas hooked to fix with a string to the drain outlet of a generalhousehold kitchen. The odor (bleaching powder smell) and degree of slimeattached while using were examined visually a month later. The resultsare shown in Table 1. As seen from Table 1, none of the samples exceptthat of Comparative Example 2, had bleaching powder smell. As for theamount of slime attached after a month, the evaluation was “□” for thesample of Example 5 and a slight amount of slime attached was observed.The evaluations for the others were “o” and no attachment of slime wasobserved.

[0209] (Tests on Chlorine Gas Generation when Mixing with HypochloriteDetergents)

[0210] One gram of a sample was placed in a 100-ml beaker, and 100 ml ofdistilled water was added. The sample-dissolved solution was measured pHby a pH meter. A pH below 5 was a yardstick to judge that samples wouldgenerate chlorine gas when mixing with commercially availablehypochlorite detergents. The results are shown in Table 1 as the dangerwith Cl detergent. As seen from Table 1, the evaluations of the samplesof the examples were “o”, and there was no fear of generating chlorinegas.

[0211] (Disintegration Tests of Clathrate Compounds when they were Used:Elution Tests of Antimicrobial Agents from Clathrate Compounds)

[0212] To examine the effect of base materials on the stability ofclathrate compounds, disintegration tests on the following clathratecompounds were carried out. One gram of each of various bases shown inTable 2 and 98 g of distilled water were placed in a 200-ml beaker, andstirred with a magnetic stirrer for 3 hours to dissolve up tosaturation. Then, 1 g of the said TEP-CMI was added as a clathratecompound, and stirred with a magnetic stirrer for 24 hours. Theresulting solution was filtrated through a 0.2 μmembrane filter. Theamount of the antimicrobial agent eluted from the clathrate compound wasmeasured. Water with no base material added was used as a blank. Table 2shows the results. In Table 2, “clathrate disintegration (%)” refers toan elution rate of the antimicrobial agent from the clathrate compound.As seen from Table 2, the base materials used in the present inventionlet the clathrate compound disintegrate approximately as quickly as theblank sample did. Polyethylene oxide used for a comparison caused thedisintegration of the clathrate compound at a higher rate. From theviewpoint of the clathrate disintegration rate, the base materials usedin the present invention were found to be better. TABLE 2 Base materialsof the present invention Comparison CaSO₄ Acetoacetate- Acetoacetate-Polyethylene 0.5 H₂O o-toluidide o-anilide Sorbitol Lactose glycol*Blank Clathrate 21 21 22 21 18 93 21 disintegra tion (%)

APPLICABILITY IN INDUSTRY

[0213] The drain slime removers of the present invention can be easilyinstalled in the upper parts of inlet pipes and are excellent in safetyand handling. From a container storing a slime preventing/removingagent, an agent-dissolved solution can spread over the wall surface of adrainpipe. Because the opening areas of both drainage flow-in holes andsolution flow-out holes are adjusted, only a minimum amount of waterrequired is taken in the inside of the container while drainage isflowing. A chemical-dissolved solution flows out from the container evenafter water has finished draining. When a conventional basket-typecontainer is used, most of the chemical flows out together with drainageso that the agent can not stay long enough on the slime contaminatedportion, having no effect on removing slime. Contrary to this, with thedrain slime removers of the present invention, a chemical-dissolvedsolution, which is not diluted with draining water, contacts slimecontaminated portions for a long period of time. Therefore, a smallamount of chemical efficiently prevents slime from generating, and animpact on the environment is small even if a chlorine-type chemical isused, thanks to a very small volume of chemical flowing out in drainage.Besides, the active ingredient dissolves at an appropriate rate, so thatslime is not only removed but also prevented from generating for a longtime, when a remover is installed in a place where slime is generated bymetabolites of miscellaneous germs, mildews and the like, such as thedrain outlets of kitchen sinks and bathrooms.

[0214] The slime preventing/removing agents of the present inventionhave none of the problems of chlorine smell and corrosion, are excellentin safety and handling, and make it possible to let active ingredientsdissolve stably.

What is claimed is:
 1. A drain slime remover capable of spreading asolid-dissolved solution over slime contaminated wall surfaces,characterized in that it comprises a solid containing a microorganismgrowth retarding substance and a container which has a shape forpermitting its installation at the top or upper part of an inlet pipeand stores the solid, and that the said container has drainage flow-inholes having an opening degree capable of controlling the drainageflow-in amount and provided in the upper surface or the upper side ofthe container and solution flow-out holes having an opening degreecapable of controlling the flow-out amount of a solid-dissolved solutionand provided in the bottom or the lower side, or additionally in theside, of the container.
 2. A drain slime remover according to claim 1,in which the container has a shape of a filter or integrated with afilter that is installed at the inlet pipe.
 3. A drain slime removeraccording to claim 1 or 2, in which the solution flow-out holes areprovided in the bottom of the container, and in the sides at theperipheral and central sides of the inlet pipe.
 4. A drain slime removeraccording to claims 1 to 3, in which the solution flow-out holes have anopening degree capable of controlling the maximum amount of water heldin the container to flow out at 0.5 to 500 seconds.
 5. A drain slimeremover according to claims 1 to 4, in which the total opening area ofthe solution flow-out holes is 0.98 to 0.01 of that of the drainageflow-in holes.
 6. A drain slime remover according to claims 1 to 5, inwhich the drainage flow-in holes are made at least in the upper surfaceof the container and provided with two or more drainage flow-in slitscomposing one or more slits along the direction towards the center ofthe inlet pipe at appropriate intervals.
 7. A drain slime removeraccording to claim 6, in which the slits of the slit-shaped drainageflow-in holes are 0.5 to 4 mm wide.
 8. A drain slime remover accordingto claim 6 or 7, in which the slits are made in the upper surface of thecontainer, reach the side end of the central part of the containertowards the direction of the inlet pipe center, and further continuouslycut up to the upper part at the center side.
 9. A drain slime removeraccording to claims 1 to 3, in which the drainage flow-in holes of thecontainer are composed of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric.
 10. A drain slimeremover according to claims 1 to 3, in which the drainage flow-in holesof the container have a netting structure.
 11. A drain slime removeraccording to claims 1 to 10, in which a chemical of non-bleaching powdertype is used as the microorganism growth retarding substance.
 12. Adrain slime remover according to claim 11, in which a clathrate compoundcomposing 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and a multi-molecularhost compound is used as the chemical of non-bleaching powder type. 13.A drain slime remover according to claim 11, in which an organic iodineantimicrobial agent is used as the chemical of non-bleaching powdertype.
 14. A drain slime remover according to claims 1 to 13, in whichtwo or more, same or different, solids of small granules less than 30 mmin the maximum length are used as the solid.
 15. A method of removingslime in a way that a container, in which solids containing amicroorganism growth retarding substance are stored, is installed in theupper part of the slime contaminated wall surface, the solids aredissolved by drainage flowing in from drainage flow-in holes provided inthe upper surface or upper side of the container, and thesolid-dissolved solution flows out from solution flow-out holes providedin the bottom or the lower side, or additionally in the side, of thecontainer in order to spread the solution over the slime contaminatedwall surfaces.
 16. A container for removing slime, capable of spreadinga solid-dissolved solution over slime contaminated wall surfaces,characterized in that the container has a shape for permitting itsinstallation at the top or upper part of an inlet pipe, can store solidscontaining a microorganism growth retarding substance in the inside, andhas flow-out holes for a solid-dissolved solution in the bottom or thelower side, or additionally in the side, and drainage flow-in holes inthe upper surface or the upper side, and the total opening area of thesolution flow-out holes is 0.98 to 0.01 of that of the drainage flow-inholes.
 17. A container for removing slime, capable of spreading asolid-dissolved solution over slime contaminated wall surfaces,characterized in that the container has a shape for permitting itsinstallation at the top or upper part of an inlet pipe, can store solidscontaining a microorganism growth retarding substance in the inside, andhas flow-out holes for a solid-dissolved solution in the bottom or thelower side, or additionally in the side, and drainage flow-in holes ofslit type in the upper surface or the upper side with slits being 0.5 to4 mm wide.
 18. A slime preventing/removing agent characterized in thatan antimicrobial agent of non-bleaching powder type is pressure moldedtogether with one or more base materials selected from calcium hydrogenphosphate dihydrate, tricalcium phosphate anhydride, magnesium hydrogenphosphate tri-hydrate, magnesium hydrogen phosphate octa-hydrate,lactose, vanillin, calcium citrate tetra-hydrate, calcium sulfatedihydrate, calcium sulfate hemi-hydrate, acetoacetate anilide,acetoacetate-o-toluidide, acetoacetate-p-toluidide,acetoacetate-o-anicidide, sorbitol, glycerin monofatty acid esters,alkylsorbitan esters (HLB: 14 or less) and sucrose fatty acid esters(HLB: 14 or less).
 19. A slime preventing/removing agent according toclaim 18, in which the antimicrobial agent of non-bleaching powder typeis a clathrate compound composing an antimicrobial agent and amulti-molecular host compound.
 20. A slime preventing/removing agentaccording to claim 19, in which the multi-molecular host compound is oneor more compounds selected from the group consisting of the followingcompounds: (1) tetrakisphenols (2)1,1,6,6-tetraphenyl-2,4-hexadiyn-1,6-diol, (3)1,6-bis(2-chlorophenyl)1,6-diphenylhexan-2,4-diyn-1,6-diol, (4)1,1,4,4-tetraphenyl-2-butyn-1,4-diol, (5)2,5-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)hydroquinone, (6)1,1-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-2-propyn-1-ol, (7)1,1,2,2-tetraphenylethan-1,2-diol, (8) 1,1-bi-2-naphthol, (9)9,10-diphenyl-9,10-dihydroxyanthracene, (10)1,1,6,6-tetra(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-2,4-hexadiyn-1,6-diol, (11)9,10-bis(4-methylphenyl)-9,10-dihydroxyanthracene, (12)1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexane, (13)N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(cyclohexyl)-(1,1′-biphenyl)-2,2′-dicarboxyamide, (14)4,4′-sulfonylbisphenol, (15)4,4′-butylidenebis(3-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), (16)2,2′-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), (17)4,4′-thiobis(4-chlorophenol), (18) 2,2′-methylenebis(4-chlorophenol),(19) deoxycholic acid, (20) cholic acid, (21)α,α,α′,α′-tetraphenyl-1,1′-biphenyl-2,2′-dimethanol, (22)t-butylhydroquinone, (23) 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone, (24) granularcorn starch, (25) 1,4-diazabicyclo-(2,2,2)-octane,
 21. A slimepreventing/removing agent according to claim 19 or 20, in which theantimicrobial agent of non-bleaching powder type is5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one.
 22. A slime preventing/removingagent according to claim 18, in which the antimicrobial agent ofnon-bleaching powder type is an organic iodine antimicrobial agent. 23.A slime preventing/removing agent according to one of claims 18 to 22,in which calcium sulfate hemi-hydrate is β-type calcium sulfatehemi-hydrate.
 24. A slime preventing/removing agent according to one ofclaims 18 to 23, in which the slime preventing/removing agent contains aC₁₄ to C₂₄ saturated fatty acid as a dissolution regulator.
 25. A slimepreventing/removing agent according to claim 24, in which the C₁₄ to C₂₄saturated fatty acid is stearic acid or lauric acid.
 26. A small slimepreventing/removing agent according to claims 18 to 25, in which themolded product is a tablet and the maximum length of the tablet is 15 mmor shorter.
 27. A slime removing method characterized in that a nonwovenfabric bag or a holed plastic film bag, that contains the small slimepreventing/removing agent according to claim 26, or a flexibletape-shaped material carrying the small preventing/removing agents, isfixed on the surface or upper surface of slime contaminated wall, andthe solution of the slime preventing/removing agent spreads over thewall.